Developmental Pathways’ Post

Pediatricians see many children and families who may be experiencing adversity or trauma such as growing up in a home with domestic violence. Trauma can affect children’s lifelong physical and mental health – but pediatricians can help. Pediatrician and former AAP President Dr. Moira Szilagyi shares the importance of implementing evidence-based, trauma-informed care and resilience promotion in pediatric healthcare settings. Check out the video and learn more at AAP.org/TIC during #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth.

Routine screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)? Instead, we need to (1) conduct robust prevention trials, (2) prioritise access to limited evidence-based treatment services to those most in need & (3) improve informativeness of ACEs research.

"Seizure awareness" is crucial in fostering understanding and support for individuals living with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. It's a condition that affects millions worldwide, yet misconceptions and stigma persist. By raising awareness, we can demystify seizures, educate communities, and promote acceptance. Knowledge of how to provide first aid during a seizure is vital, as it can save lives. Moreover, understanding that seizures come in various forms and affect people differently helps create a more inclusive and empathetic society. Let's strive for a world where everyone knows how to recognize and respond to seizures, reducing the fear and isolation often experienced by those who live with these conditions.

Children with severe motor disorders need special attention because they sit often and have less physical activity than their peers. These children face various daily obstacles: inaccessible environment, indifference and negative attitudes, lack of motor skills, etc. One of the important options for overcoming these problems is verticalizers, mobility aids for children who need more support than manual walkers. It makes it much easier for kids to move around and has many other benefits. The Center for Specialized Pediatric Care in Poltava had only one verticalizer for the entire facility. And this is even though it receives more than 150 children a month! We couldn't ignore this problem, so thanks to our partners, we recently delivered two new verticalizers to the children's care center. Regular verticalization improves the child's psychological state, allowing them to communicate "on the same level". The upright position intensifies interaction and thus awakens determination and self-confidence. Our children are our future! Therefore, it is imperative to help them master this world.

National Epilepsy Week is an opportunity for us to draw attention to the impact the disease has on the people affected by it, and the support they need. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions that children face, but it is poorly understood. This means that many children living with epilepsy are at risk of stigma and discrimination. Particularly at risk are children who also experience prolonged convulsive seizures, which require emergency medication to be stopped. Administering the medication is easy, and doesn’t require medical training. However, schools often lack staff who are aware of what to do when a child has such a seizure. Without this knowledge, children who experience prolonged seizures risk exclusion from school activities in addition to general discrimination. Providing clear guidance, policies, information and resources will ensure that school employees and children feel safe and supported. https://lnkd.in/eH3hYFQN

Did you know that 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime? Today is 1 in 26 Day, a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and make a difference! 💜 Let's join the movement to end the stigma around epilepsy. Consider becoming certified in seizure first aid—it's a small action that can make a big impact. Educate yourself more about what epilepsy is. The more you know, the less stigmatized epilepsy will be. Talk to your state legislators about helping to pass seizure safe legislation to create a more inclusive environment for our warriors and their families. Any small action taken, is a huge step in the right direction. Check out the Epilepsy Reach Foundation's website at www.epilepsyreach.org to learn more and discover how you can be part of this important cause. Together, let's spread awareness and support each other! 💜💜💜💜 #1in26Day #EndEpilepsyStigma #SeizureFirstAid #EpilepsyAwareness #epilepsywarrior #epilepsysupport

Innovation is a community-driven and disciplined process of solving some of our most complex public health challenges. One leading example is a Children and Youth Resilience Challenge Phase 1 finalist, Geisinger, who developed "ACEs Screening at Well-Child Visits to Build Risk-Level Tailored Clinic to Community Response (ALLIANCE)." This project aims to:  - Develop and evaluate an integrated solution for identifying families affected by or at risk for child maltreatment;  - Provide tailored preventive counseling in clinical care;  - Connect families to community resources to promote protective factors and prevent future maltreatment; and  - Improve the mental health and resilience of the whole family. Learn about all the HHS Children and Youth Resilience Challenge finalists. https://lnkd.in/egCi5Ajp  

Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) is an intervention designed to strengthen relationships with children, particularly those who may have experienced things like abuse, neglect, or trauma. This approach can be tailored not only to caregivers, but teachers, coaches, pediatricians, and more! Learn more at bakercenter.org/CARE

Prevention is better than a cure! But for children with complex trauma, the out-of-home care sector often waits to react to crises, rather than prevent them. In our latest blog, Billy Black considers the CETC’s recent Submission to the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, exploring the importance of supporting relational stability to prevent the need for costly and ineffective reactive interventions such as Alternative Care Arrangements. https://lnkd.in/g8x-nafs

Students from RMP 503: Therapeutic Recreation Rehabilitation Principles and Interventions are trying thickened liquids of varying consistencies such as honey and pudding. This hands-on lab allows them to understand swallowing disorders better, how different consistencies affect swallowing, and how therapeutic interventions can be adapted accordingly! UNH College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)